Israel and Max Makoka were students at Hancock High School in South Mississippi. While they are from the Republic of Congo, they were attending school in America on an F-1 student visa. They are wonderful students and have never been in any kind of trouble. Gail and Cliff Baptiste were their legal guardians and taking care of the boys.
April 21 started as a regular day at the Baptiste home, but turned upside down quickly when ICE arrived and detained the boys from their bus stop and transported them to separate holding facilities. They were held for eight days with minimal contact with their guardians or family. Fortunately, the community outrage at the removal of these young men caught the attention of our US senators, and they were returned to their guardians. However, they still have a hill to climb.
We are collecting money to benefit the Makoka brothers. The guardians will have to pay full tuition of over $12,000 per year for Max to finish high school, and he still has two years left. Israel will be in college next year, and while he hopes to receive scholarships, there will still be expenses. Additionally, they need fees to pay the attorneys to get their status corrected. The Baptistes and Makokas want to thank everyone in Hancock County, the State of Mississippi and around the world that have shown them so much love and support through these trying times. Any fees received over and above the amount needed for the boys will be used to help other young people similarly situated and 100% of all funds raised will go to the guardians and Makokas.